Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey has told the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export conference on the Gold Coast that the Newman Government is committed to forming a strong partnership with the industry.

Ms Stuckey said the marine industry employs 8,000 Queenslanders and injects around $2 billion dollars into our economy every year.

“Queensland produces three quarters of Australian made recreational vessels and two thirds of all boats exported out of the country,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The robust future of this successful specialised sector will play an important role in the Newman Government’s target of reducing the unemployment rate to 4 per cent within six years.

“Our state is an idyllic destination for boating and superyacht visitors. We have stunning coastal attractions, gorgeous weather and world class facilities.

“All of these things make Queensland an extremely attractive cruising alternative to the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

“The Newman Government has identified tourism as one of the four pillars of our economy. Growing the marine industry will be another important step as the government works hard to promote Queensland as the premier tourist destination in Australia.”

Ms Stuckey said the DestinationQ Forum being held in Cairns next month is a key part of the tourism strategy, with 300 industry representatives from across Queensland attending.

“This conference is about restoring confidence and opportunity. We have vowed to listen to industry and deliver real change. Our DestinationQ strategy is a whole- of- Government approach to tourism that will foster an exciting new partnership between industry and government,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The superyacht and leisure marine industries hold great promise for growth and they can fulfil their potential into the future with support from the Newman Government.”